Despite swelling delinquencies and reform pressure from the government, credit card companies are using pricing power and staying power to emerge as a favorite among market pros.

The credit card industry will continue to provide one of the most lucrative returns of the asset classes within banks' portfolios even after new U.S. credit card rules are put in place, analysts at Keefe, Bruyette and Woods said.

(Reuters) - The credit card industry will continue to provide one of the most lucrative returns of the asset classes within banks' portfolios even after new U.S. credit card rules are put in place, analysts at Keefe, Bruyette and Woods said.

Citigroup Inc. is increasing the base salaries of many employees — reportedly by as much as 50 percent for some workers — as it restructures their compensation amid government restrictions on bonuses.

An analyst on Monday increased his price target for Discover Financial Services, but remained cautious about the credit card lender as it likely faces rising loan losses.

Investors, start-ups and major corporations are pouring money into services that make it easier to use cellphones to buy goods and transfer money, the New York Times reports.

A crackdown on credit limits by card companies is squeezing the nation’s 27 million small businesses, exacerbating the problems brought on by a stagnant economy.

Credit card holders who in ordinary years might have used their tax refunds to pay down their balances apparently spent the money elsewhere as the recession deepened in the first quarter.

Stocks eked out a gain after a rocky session Friday as investors weighed some encouraging economic reports against gloomy earnings.

Stocks had a wobbly start to the morning Friday as investors weighed some encouraging economic reports against gloomy earnings.

Stocks pared their losses Friday after economic reports showed consumer confidence soared to its highest level since before the fall downturn began and that manufacturing is showing signs of improvement.

Futures indicated a slightly higher open for U.S. stocks Friday as investors shrugged off Chrysler's bankruptcy announcement and decided to go against the 'sell in May and go away' mantra after April's successful performance.

Credit card executives meeting with President  Obama argued that rules proposed by the Federal Reserve are adequate to protect consumers, but Obama believes more should be done.

European Union regulators said Wednesday they would drop a threat to fine MasterCard after the company promised to temporarily cut fees it charges for cross-border card purchases which can hike costs for shops.

Stocks eked out a gain after a rough morning as banks got a boost from market chatter that the government may suspend a controversial accounting rule blamed for much of the contagion in the financial industry.